Increasing of stress resistance in the sport horse training system

Abstract

The studies to improve the training system and preparation of horses for competitions, taking into account the stress stability factor in order to more objective assessment of the working qualities of horses and conducting a better selection in breeding; enhancement of sport results of Ukrainian riders at National and International competitions have been conducted in this work. A set of measures was developed to increase the stress resistance during demonstrations and competitions, aimed at gradually adapting horses to stressors. For conducting experiments, 10 horses of the jumping group of Dergachi Children and Youth Equestrian Sport School, who had the experience of participating in the competition to overcome obstacles, were selected. Research of the types of HND of horses was carried out according to the methodical recommendations of VNIII horse breeding. Sport performance was assessed by the following indicators: average number of penalty points per start; % of starts without penalty points; % of starts with prize places; % of starts who were the fastest, but with a penalty points; % of disqualification. We have formed two equivalent groups of horses – control and experimental, with five horses in each, based on the results of the participation of horses in competitions, taking into account the types of higher nervous activity and sex-age indicators. A set of measures for increasing stress resistance was introduced into the training system of horses of the experimental group from the beginning of the preparatory period in December 2016. Studies have shown that the most advanced in show jumping are horses with a strong balanced mobile higher nervous activity. Horses of a strong balanced inert type of higher nervous activity are suitable for competing with beginners and as hobby-class horses. Horses of a strong unbalanced type of higher nervous activity have an untapped athletic potential, but they need a training system designed not only to develop their physical qualities but also to increase their stress resistance in competition. The results of the conducted researches allow to recommend the application of the developed complex of measures in the system of training horses of a strong balanced inert and severe unbalanced types of higher nervous activity; that will allow the best selection of the best animals in breeding by the main selection criterion – ability to work and to receive more competitive horses for participation in National and International competitions for classical equestrian sport, which will increase the level of implementation of horses, price indices and the economic efficiency of the work of breeding farms in general.